Insurance Blog

Buying a Car? Talk to a Local Insurance Agent First

When purchasing a new vehicle, many drivers are tempted to keep the same old auto insurance coverage limits or do whatever they can to lower their rate.

But finding the best auto insurance, like shopping for a new car, is about much more than the sticker price. So let’s uncover why shopping for insurance and a new ride often go hand in hand – and how a local pro like an ERIE insurance agent can help.

What to Ask an Insurance Agent Before Buying a New Car

When you’re in the market for a new vehicle, one of the smartest things you can do is talk to a local insurance agent before you buy. Why? A local agent can offer insurance tips and potential ways to save on your new purchase. For example:

What will it cost to insure the different makes and models I’m considering?
Is there a significant difference in cost of parts or labor for the cars I’m looking at?
Am I eligible for any new auto insurance discounts?
Do I need to make any changes to my policy when I buy my new car?
Are there any coverage gaps I need to be aware of?

Remember: If you’re buying a new car, proof of insurance may be required before driving your new car off the lot. If you’re already a customer, your local agent is just a phone call away to help you provide the right documentation to show the dealer before you take it home. If you’re an existing ERIE customer, you can access your insurance ID card through your ERIE Online Account

Learn more in our related explainer: Is Your New Car Covered Under Your Auto Insurance Policy?

Will buying a new car affect my auto insurance rate?

Chances are when you buy a new car, your monthly auto insurance premiums will change, too.

That’s because your auto insurance rate depends on a number of different factors, including the car you drive. And each insurance company may look at these factors, such as your vehicle’s safety ratings and cost of repairs, differently.

Generally, cars with higher safety ratings and anti-theft devices can help lower your rate. But those features could be more expensive to repair after an accident, too. On the other hand,older cars may be cheaper to fix, but they often aren’t equipped with high-tech safety features to help prevent accidents.

When getting quotes for insurance, keep in mind that your driving history impacts your insurance rate more than what you drive. So regardless of the make and model you choose, being a safe driver can go a long way.

Learn more in our related explainer: What Determines the Price of My Auto Insurance?

What Type of Coverage Do I Need for My New Car?

Your first thought may be to look for the lowest price, but don’t let the excitement of a new car push you toward bare-bones coverage that can leave you vulnerable to dangerous coverage gaps.

Your local ERIE agent can help you find that sweet spot where you can get customized coverage that protects you and respects your budget. If you’re buying a new car, make sure to ask about these options:

New Auto Security: It’s true: Your new car depreciates the moment you drive it off the lot. But that doesn’t mean your insurance coverage should, too. With the New Auto Security endorsement, if your new car¹ gets totaled, ERIE will pay you the cost to replace it with the newest comparable model year (minus your deductible). And if you’ve had your car longer than two years, ERIE will pay the cost to replace it with a comparable model that is up to two years newer and up to $30,000 fewer miles than the current mileage of your car, minus the deductible.
ERIE Rate Lock®: Avoid car insurance rate increases with the ERIE Rate Lock® feature. Even if you have a claim, your rates won’t change until you make certain changes to your auto insurance policy, such as adding or removing a vehicle or a driver from your policy or changing your primary residence². (New York customers: Ask about ERIE Rate Protect^SM.)
ERIE Auto Plus: Enhance your coverage with features such as diminishing deductible³.

A local insurance agent can also explain what kind of coverage you’d need to cover common types of claims, such as windshield chipsor hitting a deer.

Buying a New Car? Get a Quote with ERIE

With the right insurance company, quality coverage starts and ends with your agent. Learn more about our auto insurance coverage.

Every ERIE policy comes with a local agent ready to walk you through the entire process and answer your questions — because you deserve an auto policy that’s personal, fair and affordable.

Contact your local ERIE agent and learn how we can help you protect your new set of wheels and travel with you on the journey ahead.

¹Vehicle is considered new when less than two years old. The endorsement is sold on a per-vehicle basis, not per policy, and contains the specific details of the coverages, terms, conditions and exclusions. Coverage is not available in all states. Eligible vehicles must carry both comprehensive and collision coverage and replacement must be made with a comparable model. New vehicle replacement and better vehicle replacement do not apply to leased vehicles. Only repair coverage and auto lease/loan component apply to a leased vehicle. Coverage does not include items such as overdue payments and carry-over balances from previous leases/loans, etc. When payment is made under new vehicle replacement or better vehicle replacement, auto lease/ loan coverage will not apply. Not available in NY or NC.

²ERIE Rate Lock® Rates subject to change if you add or remove a vehicle, add or remove a driver, or change your address or the place you usually park your car. ERIE Rate Lock® does not guarantee continued insurance coverage. Not available in all states. Limited to three years in Virginia. Insured must meet applicable underwriting guidelines. Premium may change if you make a policy change.

³ Diminishing deductible up to a maximum reduction of $500. In New York, comprehensive deductible cannot be reduced to less than $50 and collision deductible cannot be reduced to less than $100. Coverage may vary by state. Not available in all states.

Posted on 22 October 2020 | 9:00 pm

Hurricane Prep Checklist: 28 Things to Do Before a Hurricane

When it comes to natural disasters, nothing causes damage and destruction like a hurricane.

Tropical storms and hurricanes generate an estimated $54 billion worth of economic losses each year in the United States, reports the Congressional Budget Office. And more than half of that damage is related to repairing homes.

If you live in the path of a hurricane, it’s nearly inevitable that you’ll experience some type of damage to your home or property. That’s why it helps to work with a local agent to understand how your homeowners insurance can cover different types of hurricane damage.

With a little preparation, there are steps you can take to help reduce the impact and keep your family safe. Keep reading to learn what steps you can take to be ready, whether it’s months before hurricane season or the moment a warning is issued.

When is Hurricane Season?

In the United States, the Atlantic hurricane season runs from June 1 to Nov. 30. While storms are most likely to occur during this period, hurricanes can happen any time the weather conditions are right.

If you live in a hurricane-prone area, preparation can be key to minimizing storm damage.

Wondering what to do before a hurricane? Follow this hurricane prep list for tips to help weather the storm:

Tips for before the start of hurricane season

Make an emergency plan. Making a plan will help ensure your family is all on the same page if a hurricane strikes. A plan can help you make decisions faster and reduce fear in young children. Visit www.ready.gov/planfor resources.
Know your evacuation route. If a hurricane is headed your way, you may be asked to evacuate your home. Knowing your final destination and route in advance can help you evacuate quickly when time is of the essence.
Sign up for trusted alerts and warnings. During a hurricane, you’ll need access to timely, reliable information. So it’s best to identify several methods to receive alerts or warnings before a hurricane. Download the Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA) app on your phone to receive real-time alerts from the National Weather Service. It’s also wise to familiarize yourself with how the Emergency Alert System (EAS) and Wireless Emergency Alert (WEA) work in your area.
Find a trusted radio news station. If utilities go down, a radio may be your only reliable source of information. Purchase a battery-operated or hand-crank radio to have on standby. And write down your local National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration (NOAA) radio station frequency.
Locate important documents. Store copies of your medical information, insurance policies, passports, birth certificates and proof of address together in a waterproof container so you’ll have them on hand if needed.
Check your insurance policy. Typically, a hurricane watch is called about 48 hours ahead of tropical storm force winds. Once that happens, it’s unlikely you’ll be able to get a new policy or make a policy change at the last minute. To ensure your home and property are covered, check in with your insurance agent before hurricane season starts. Read our related article on how named storms may affect your insurance coverage.
Create a home inventory. In the event you have to file an insurance claim, you’ll need to document everything you’ve lost. That’s where a home inventory can help. It’s a list of all your personal possessions, along with their estimated value. And it’s a great way to help protect the contents of your home. Learn more about creating a home inventory.
Build an emergency kit. It can be hard to imagine several days (or weeks) without power, internet or running water. But during a hurricane, anything can happen. That’s why your family should have supplies ready for any type of disaster. Check out these 31 must-have items for your home emergency kit.
Invest in a generator. When a hurricane is on its way, backup power generators are one of the first things to sell out in stores. Buy your hurricane power supply in advance, and familiarize yourself with these 9 things to know if you have a backup generator.
Protect your pets.. During and after the devastation of Hurricane Katrina, thousands of pets were abandoned because their owners had no plans to evacuate them. To keep your furry friends safe, follow these pet protection tips.

Tips to prepare during hurricane season

Gather supplies. Stock up on essential supplies for a hurricane. This includes plenty of water, non-perishable food and batteries.
Clean your gutters. To help reduce water damage, ensure your gutters, downspouts and drains are clear before the storm. This will help divert as much rain as possible away from your home.
Prepare windows and doors. One of the best ways to prep a home for a hurricane is by protecting your windows and doors from broken glass. Permanent storm shutters offer the best protection, but you can also cover them with one-half inch marine plywood, if needed.
Turn down the temperature. If you don’t have a generator, turning your refrigerator and freezer to the coldest setting will help your food stay cool if the power goes out.
Fill up your tank. If damage in your area is severe, it may be difficult to find an open gas station for days or weeks after a hurricane. Make sure all your vehicles are gassed up and fill up any portable gasoline cans you have in advance.
Charge your devices. Mobile devices like smartphones and tablets are your link to critical information during a disaster. Make sure they’re fully charged when a hurricane watch is announced. For extra peace of mind, consider purchasing a battery-powered portable charger or power bank.
Store outdoor items. Patio furniture, trash cans and bicycles can easily be carried away by high winds, so bring them indoors before the storm hits.
Check in with neighbors. See if anyone in your neighborhood can use an extra hand preparing for the storm. This is especially important if you have neighbors who are elderly or have a disability.
Fill sinks and bathtubs. If your utilities get shut off, having extra water on hand can help with tasks like flushing the toilet or washing clothes. Get more tips for storing water during a natural disaster.
Move your valuables. If you have time, move valuables and furniture to the highest point in your home to prevent water damage.
Notify friends and family. Before the storm hits, let those closest to you (outside the storm zone) know your plans. During the storm itself, try to limit your phone calls. Wireless networks are often overtaxed during an emergency.
Evacuate if directed. If local authorities issue an order to evacuate, take it seriously and act quickly. . Avoid flooded roads and watch for washed-out bridges. If an evacuation order is in place, riding out the storm could put you and your family in danger. If you can’t stay with friends or family, head to an emergency shelter.

Last-minute tips for a hurricane watch or warning

A hurricane watch means that hurricane conditions are possible within the specified area. They are typically issued 48 hours in advance of the anticipated onset of tropical-storm-force winds.

A hurricane warning means conditions are expected within a specified area. Because hurricane preparedness activities become difficult once winds reach tropical storm force (sustained winds of 39 to 73 mph), hurricane warnings are issued 36 hours in advance of the anticipated onset of the storm. When that happens, keep these tips in mind.

Stay indoors. If you’re sheltering in place, avoid the temptation to go outside and watch the storm. By far, the safest place to wait out a hurricane is inside your home.
Avoid floodwaters. Don’t walk, swim or drive through floodwater. Not only could the current sweep you off your feet, but the water can contain harmful contaminants and bacteria.
Unplug appliances. If you lose power, unplug your appliances. This will protect them from power surges, which can cause permanent damage.
Turn off utilities. If directed by your utility provider, turn off your electricity, water and gas at the main shut-offs.
Stay alert. When it’s safe to head outdoors, watch out for downed power lines and other dangerous obstacles.
Don’t return until it’s safe. If you’ve been evacuated from your home, only return when local authorities say it’s safe to do so.

Following these tips before a storm hits can help limit the damage to your home and property. For information on what to do after a hurricane, visit our hurricane safety page.

Claims service you can count on to help you weather the storm

At Erie Insurance, we know how valuable a little kindness can be on your worst day. When you need it most, we promise to provide relief, support and calm after the storm.

We believe a claims experience that's fast, fair and personal isn't a luxury reserved for the few. We insist that exceptional service be an everyday expectation — for you and all of our customers.

That’s why we have a dedicated team of claims adjusters who respond to catastrophe claims. Our specially trained catastrophe teams are sent to your community immediately following a weather event so they can be at your doorstep, handling your claim quickly and with compassion.

To learn how you can protect what matters most — in any weather — get in touch with a local ERIE agent in your neighborhood.

Posted on 21 October 2020 | 9:00 pm

7 Things to Consider When Buying a Pickup Truck

What do America’s top three best-selling vehicles have in common? They’re all pickup trucks.

It’s no secret that the U.S. has long been a truck-loving nation. But as automakers refine the ride and handling of pickups, more drivers are starting to see them as the jack-of-all-trades. After all, no other vehicle can boast the space and comfort of an SUV with the unmatched towing and cargo-carrying abilities of a truck.

But it’s this versatility that makes shopping for a pickup much different—and more difficult—than shopping for a car. So how do you find the truck that’s right for you?

Always start with an honest evaluation of how you plan to use your new truck. Then, choose the options that will best meet those needs. (And don’t forget the auto insurance.)

What to look for when buying a truck

Here are some important factors to consider when searching for your perfect truck.

Mid-size or full-size: The first element you should explore is how large of a vehicle you really need. If you don’t plan to tow or haul heavy loads on a regular basis, a mid-size truck may be the best choice. Pickups like the Chevy Colorado, Toyota Tacoma and Ford Ranger are capable enough for most jobs around the house and their smaller size comes with increased fuel efficiency. Full-size trucks are the workhorses of the pickup world. If you use your truck for work or to tow a boat or camper, you’ll probably benefit from the power of a Ford F-150, Chevy Silverado, Dodge Ram or other full-size pickup.
Cab and bed size: Next, determine how much space you need both inside and out. Most truck cabs are available in regular (two doors, no back seat), extended (two or four doors, small back seat) and crew (four doors, large back seat). Pickup bed options include short (about 5 feet), regular (about 6.5 feet) and long (about 8 feet). Keep in mind that when it comes to cab and bed sizes, more space is typically accompanied by a higher price tag.
Drivetrain: Most pickups are available with four-, six- and eight-cylinder engines. They also come with the choice of two- or four-wheel drive. When choosing an engine, you’ll need to balance the trade-offs between price, horsepower and fuel economy. And if you often find yourself driving in winter weather or off-road conditions, four-wheel drive is probably a wise choice.
Hauling and towing: All pickup trucks are capable of carrying heavy loads and hauling a trailer. Knowing how much weight you need to move will help determine whether you need a light- or heavy-duty truck. For example, according to the Kelley Blue Book a new Ford F-150 can carry a payload of 2,890 pounds and tow 13,200 pounds. But with the more capable F-250, those numbers increase to 3,880 pounds and 18,000 pounds, respectively. The rule of thumb is to buy a truck capable of about 10% more power than you really need. Just keep in mind that bigger isn’t always better. If you buy a heavy-duty truck, expect to pay more at the pump and experience a harsher ride.
Safety: When purchasing any new vehicle, safety ratings are always an important consideration. Be sure to do some research before driving your new truck off the lot. The Insurance Institute for Highway Safety (IIHS) conducts crash tests and other safety evaluations, such as headlight strength. Check out their large pickup vehicle ratings and small pickup vehicle ratings.
Trim and options: Twenty years ago, optioning your pickup meant deciding whether you needed features like power locks and windows. But in today’s market, luxury features like infotainment systems, heated leather seats and even power tailgates are available to truck buyers. Just keep an eye on the final price tag as these options can inflate the price by more than $10,000.
New or used: There’s nothing quite like that new car smell. But with new truck prices ranging from $20,000 to more than $80,000 it may be worth letting someone else take the initial depreciation hit. Trucks are built to last, so purchasing a used model can still provide a reliable pickup at a fraction of the cost.

Wondering how insurance works when buying a new car? Read our related explainer: Is Your New Car Covered Under Your Auto Insurance Policy?

Insurance for New Trucks

While your new vehicle will lose some of its value the minute you drive it off the lot, that doesn’t mean your insurance coverage should take a hit, too.

Ask your local ERIE agent about adding the New Auto Security endorsement to your auto quote. If your new car¹ gets totaled, ERIE will pay you the cost to replace it with the newest comparable model year (minus your deductible). (And if you’ve had your car longer than two years, ERIE will pay the cost to replace it with a comparable model that is up to two years newer and up to $30,000 fewer miles than the current mileage of your car, minus the deductible.)

Learn more about auto insurance from ERIE or get a quote to see the ERIE difference for yourself.

¹Vehicle is considered new when less than two years old. Eligible vehicles must carry both comprehensive and collision coverage and replacement value must be based on a comparable model. The endorsement is sold on a per-vehicle basis, not per policy, and contains the specific details of the coverages, terms, conditions and exclusions. Please note that New Vehicle Replacement and Better Vehicle Replacement do not apply to leased vehicles; only the Auto Lease/Loan Security Protection applies to leased vehicles. When payment is made under new vehicle replacement or better vehicle replacement, auto lease/loan coverage will not apply. Coverage does not include items such as overdue payments and carry-over balances from previous leases/loans, etc. Coverage is not available in all states. Insurance products are subject to terms, conditions and exclusions not described here. Ask your ERIE agent for details.

Posted on 19 October 2020 | 9:00 pm

Medicare Supplement Insurance: Is Plan F Going Away?

Starting Jan. 1, 2020, Medigap plans sold to people new to Medicare won’t be allowed to cover the Part B deductible. Because of this, Plans C and F will no longer be available to people who are new to Medicare on or after Jan. 1, 2020.

However, if you already have one of these two plans (or the high deductible version of Plan F), you’ll be able to keep your plan. Also, if you were eligible for Medicare before Jan. 1, 2020, but haven’t enrolled yet, you may still be able to buy one of these plans.

For individuals with existing Plan F coverage: If you ever decide to switch carriers for any reason, you’ll still be allowed to maintain your Plan F coverage. This type of change will be subject to underwriting, so those considering a switch should keep this in mind.

Why is Plan F Going Away?

On Jan. 1, 2020, MACRA officially takes effect. The Medicare Access and CHIP Reauthorization Act (MACRA) is the Federal Law that will be impacting Medicare Supplement plans in all states. Only beneficiaries with existing Plan F coverage will be able to keep Plan F. Plan G will be the new “go-to” plan for those newly eligible for coverage after Jan. 1, 2020.

What is Plan G?

Medicare Parts A and B provide insurance coverage for health-related expenses, but they don’t cover all of the health care costs you may have. While all Medicare Supplement plans help offset those costs, Plan G will now offer the most comprehensive coverage for those becoming newly eligible to Medicare.

What’s the difference between Plan F and Plan G?

The key difference between Plan F and Plan G is that Plan G does not cover the Part B deductible. This is because the federal government wanted to have each beneficiary have a vested interest in their care. The good news: premiums for Plan G are generally less expensive by more than the $250 deductible amount. Meaning although you’ll be responsible for the $250 deductible, you could save more than $350 in total premium. (Premium savings will vary by carrier.)

What does Plan G cover?

If you choose Medicare Supplement Plan G from Erie Family Life, you won’t incur any out-of-pocket costs for expenses such as:

Part A deductible
Part A hospital copayments
Part B copayments
Part B excess physician charges
Skilled nursing facility coinsurance
Foreign emergency care

Medicare Supplement Plan G will still be a great option for those becoming newly eligible for Medicare. Plan G continues to allow you to choose any physician for your care, including specialists, while eliminating many out-of-pocket expenses associated with that care. Instead of paying copays and deductibles, you’ll pay a monthly premium for your Medicare Supplement plan.

Am I eligible for a Medicare Supplement plan?

If you are age 65 or over and enrolled in Medicare Parts A and B, you can apply for a Medicare Supplement plan policy.

You can apply for a Medicare Supplement plan policy if you are age 65 or over and enrolled in Medicare Parts A and B. The one-time Open Enrollment period, which begins on the first day of the month an individual is 65, or older, and enrolled in Part B provides for guaranteed issue. Individuals under age 65 eligible for and enrolled in Part B; are not eligible for guaranteed issue unless they have lost or are losing creditable coverage. In some states, Medicare Supplement insurance policies are available to people with disabilities who are under the age 65.

If you’re considering a Medicare Supplement plan, a great place to start is by contacting your ERIE agent or find a local agent. Have your Medicare ID card ready. Your agent can help answer your questions to determine which plan is right for you, and provide a free quote.

ERIE® Medicare Supplement insurance products and services are provided by Erie Family Life Insurance Company. Go to erieinsurance.com for company licensure information.

The policy has exclusions, limitations and terms under which the policy may be continued in force or discontinued. For costs and complete details of the coverage, contact your ERIE agent or refer to the government guide Choosing a Medigap Policy: A Guide to Health Insurance for People With Medicare.

Eligibility for insurance coverage will be determined at the time of application based on applicable underwriting guidelines and rules in effect at that time.

ERIE Medicare Supplement insurance is not available in the District of Columbia, New York and Wisconsin. Life insurance not available in New York.

Medicare Supplement policy forms for Tennessee: EFLMS3003 9/17 (A) TN; EFLMS3009 9/17 (F) TN; EFLMS3014 9/17 (G) TN; EFLMS3019 9/17 (N) TN.

Maryland: Medicare Supplement policies are available to disabled individuals under the age of 65.

Not connected with or endorsed by the U.S. Government or the Federal Medicare program. This is a solicitation of insurance. An agent (or the company) may contact you.

EFLMSB3 10/19

Posted on 14 October 2020 | 9:00 pm

Driving on Empty: Is It Really That Bad?

Is it bad to drive on empty?

As a general rule, it’s best to avoid letting your vehicle run low on gas. Car care experts recommend not letting your fuel level drop below ¼ tank. There are a few reasons for this:

It could leave you stranded. If you run out of gas, your car’s engine will stop — and you’ll be stuck whenever and wherever it happens. When this occurs, you’ll need to either call for help or start walking to the nearest gas station. In addition to being a major inconvenience for you and your passengers, there are safety concerns with stopping on the side of the road, too. If your car does run out of gas, try to pull a safe distance to the side of the road. And avoid standing outside your vehicle near oncoming traffic.
It can damage your vehicle. As if being stuck on the side of the road isn’t bad enough, driving on empty can also be bad for your car. Critical components, like your vehicle’s fuel pump, aren’t designed to operate without fuel. And while it’s unlikely you’ll cause immediate damage by running out of gas once or twice, you can reduce the lifespan of these parts — leading to costly repairs later.

What does driving on empty do to your car?

Everyone knows running out of gas will cause your car to stall. But driving on empty can create even more damage below the surface.

Clogged fuel filter: Over time, your car’s gas tank will collect dirt, sediment and debris. This typically isn’t a huge issue, because it settles to the bottom of the tank. But when you run low on gas, the likelihood of that sediment getting drawn in by your fuel pump increases. This can clog the pump’s fuel filter, which will slow the flow of gas to your engine.
Damaged fuel pump: It’s the job of your car’s fuel pump to send gasoline to the engine. The pump is submerged in the gas tank where, by design, it uses fuel to cool and lubricate it. Most fuel pumps can last for the life of your vehicle. But when you run your car on empty, it’s possible for the pump to overheat, which can lead to a costly failure. Because the gas tank often needs to be drained and removed to replace the pump, this labor-intensive job could cost upwards of $1,000 to repair.
Engine misfires: When running on empty, your car’s fuel pump can start to take in air, which means the engine isn’t consistently getting the gas it needs. This often results in engine misfires. To you, this will likely feel like your engine has a loss of power, hesitation or vibration. It’s not good for your engine, and could potentially cause larger problems down the road.

Want more car care advice? Read more in our guide to keeping your high-mileage car running.

How does your car act when you run out of gas?

It will be obvious when your car finally runs out of gas. You may experience some brief hesitation from engine misfires — that’s your first warning sign. When this happens, try to pull off the side of the road and out of traffic. Shortly after, your engine will shut down and the vehicle will lose power.

If your car isn’t starting, it could be another problem, such as a dead battery. Read more in this list of 7 reasons why your car won’t start.

What should you do if you run out of gas?

If your car does run out of gas, keep you and your passengers safe by following these steps.

Pull over. Turn on your hazard lights and pull off the roadway in a safe location — if at all possible. If you know you won’t make it to a gas station, look for a safe place to pull over before you completely run out of gas.
Call for help. Your next step should be to get help. You can call a friend or family member that lives nearby, or your emergency roadside service provider. If those aren’t options, you can try calling a tow company or the non-emergency number for the local police department.

How much gas does it take to start a car after it runs out?

To restart your car, it only takes a gallon or so of fuel. But however much you fill up the tank, be sure it’s enough to get you to the nearest gas station.

Who do I call if I run out of gas?

If your car ever does run out of gas, it’s nice to know someone will be there to help. Roadside Service coverage¹ from Erie Insurance not only helps with lockouts, flat tires, mechanical breakdowns and dead batteries — it can also even save the day when your car runs out of gas.

To use Roadside Service, just call 888-FOR-ERIE (888-367-3743) and select option 2. You’ll be connected with Agero, ERIE’s nationwide road service assistance partner.

One of the great things about this add-on is that there’s no deductible, so in most cases, you don’t have to pay an additional fee when using this road service. Agero will send someone to fill your tank, then bill ERIE directly. The service is always there for you 24/7, so whether it’s 4 a.m. or Christmas Day, you’ll get the help you need.

Peace of mind comes standard.

Get in touch with a local ERIE agent to ask about adding Emergency Roadside coverage to your auto insurance policy. Roadside coverage is just one more way ERIE is with you — no matter where the road takes you.

1 Roadside Service coverage is only available when comprehensive coverage has been purchased on the vehicle. Limitations vary by state. In North Carolina, Towing and Labor Service Coverage is only available when comprehensive coverage has been purchased on the vehicle. Delivery of gas is included at no additional cost; policyholder will pay for the gas.

We’ve all been there: driving down the highway as the low fuel warning light illuminates the dashboard. For some, it’s accompanied by feelings of panic and anxiety. Others take it as a challenge to tempt fate.

Whether you’re running late or just weren’t paying attention, finding yourself low on gas can happen to anyone. (That’s when you’d be glad to have emergency roadside assistance with your auto insurance policy.)

But experts say it’s a bad idea to make driving on empty a regular habit – here’s why.

HOW LONG CAN YOU DRIVE ON EMPTY?

When your car’s gas tank approaches empty, your vehicle will likely trigger a warning light letting you know that it’s time to fill up. But how many miles you have left before running out of fuel largely depends on your particular vehicle and driving style.

Most auto manufacturers send a low-fuel signal to the driver when there’s only enough gas to make it somewhere between 30-60 miles. To find out the exact range for your vehicle, look in your owner’s manual.

Many modern vehicles also provide a calculation of exactly how many miles you can drive until you’re completely out of fuel. But keep in mind these mileage estimates are just that…an estimate. Sitting in traffic, driving at high speeds or climbing a steep hill can all impact these numbers dramatically.

Posted on 12 October 2020 | 9:00 pm